Over 2.6 million South Africans are casting special votes today and tomorrow. Voting stations are expected to open at 8AM, and close at 5PM.
Special votes are designated for individuals who are unable to physically go to a voting station, or vote on election day (Wednesday, 4 November). This includes individuals with disabilities, the elderly, those who are ill, or people who cannot actually vote on election day.
Where does special votes take place
If the special voter cannot physically travel to their voting station, then a voting official will visit their place of residence.
Just like on election day, the ballot must be marked in secret.
Voters who are able to travel – but are unable to vote at their voting stations on election day – will also be accommodated and allowed to vote at their registered voting station on either 2 or 3 November.
Once the ballot has been cast
After the Special Vote is cast, the voter’s thumbnail will be marked with indelible ink.
The ballot is placed in an envelope with voter’s name, ID numner and voting district number.
The marked ballot is then placed in a secure ballot box for special votes.
The voter’s name is struck from the Voter’s Roll, and marked with an “SV” to indicate that it is a special vote.